My time as an America's Cup spy

Back in March 2022 I was at a SailGP event in San Francisco. I had just finished an interview with Kiwi sailor and then New Zealand SailGP Team coach Ray Davies and we were making small talk about the America’s Cup while I packed up my recording equipment. Little did I know that this seemingly mundane bit of chat was about to open up a life-changing opportunity for me.

I had just asked Ray what was keeping him busy in the AC world and amongst the numerous topics he listed off one – helping organise the ‘recon programme’ – caught my attention.

“What’s that?” I asked while zipping up my backpack and standing up to leave.

“Well, we are bringing the reconnaissance/spying element of the America’s Cup in house this time around,” he explained. “We are hiring two people per team to become the eyes and ears of the other teams. Each pair will be given a fast rib by the teams and there will be one driver/reporter and one photographer/videographer. Whenever the boats come out of the shed the recon team will be there to photograph/film and report on what goes on – ashore and on the water.”

I quickly sat down again. Precisely what kind of people were they looking for to take on the driver/reporter role?

“Oh, they would need to know about the AC, the people, the teams, the boats, ideally have some journalistic experience,” Ray answered. He paused for a moment and then exclaimed: “Hey! You would be well suited for that role!”

Bloody right I would. Becoming an America’s Cup spy was nothing short of my ultimate dream job and from that moment on securing a spot on the AC37 Recon Team became my primary focus.